Getting ready for sport games takes lots of preparation and effort. For team sports like basketball it takes not just talent but good sportsmanship and communication.
I interviewed Matt Friedman for some questions about what it takes to get ready for a sports game and these were the questions and answers:
Q: What is the average amount of practice a team has in a week and how long are they?
A; Most teams practice 5 or 6 times a week. If a team has 2 games in one week, then 2-3 practices. Varsity normally practices 6 times a week and are on average 2 hours.
Q: Do teams do mental preparation together?
A: Every team is different, but always at some point before a game a team will have some sort of pep talk that gets all the players motivated.
For example, sports like basketball and volleyball will have the teams usually gather in a circle and yell out their team name together right before a game starts.
Before a game it is very common for players to stretch well because it helps prepare muscles and prevent any injuries.
Q: How many times do teams usually go over plays?
A: Probably every time they have practice, but like the track team, they do not have plays so instead they do lots of training rather than group work.
Q: Who puts the bleachers out?
A: Either Mr. Friedman or the Janitor.
Q: Who runs the score clocks and table?
A: He has a spreadsheet of teachers who help out, but mostly: Mr. Milaszewski, Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Peterson, Ms. Ryan, Ms. Maxim and Mr. Kennedy.
Q: Does the school sell tickets at the door or online?
A; Tickets are sold both at the door and online.
Q: Who helps put stuff away after the games?
A: Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Friedman, and the janitors help clean up after a game.
Overall, Getting ready for a sports game requires much mental and physical preparation. Being a good teammate and having a positive attitude is encouraging.
It is important to get enough sleep before a game, and enough nutrition and hydration.
The next time you attend a game at SHS or anywhere, take a moment to look around and realize everything that went into making the game possible.
